How to fit a gutta percha point
 

Two items to keep in mind when placing a SafeSiders Deluxe Medium Gutta Percha Point:

• The approximate diameter at the apical constriction, (evidenced by tugback, or resistance at the apex).
• The length to the apex of the root canal that you just cleaned (working length).

When completing instrumentation using the Pink SafeSiders Sequence Card most cases should accommodate a SafeSiders Deluxe Medium Gutta Percha Point.

1.

Finish the sequence with the Pink 25/.06 instrument (or in very large canals the optional Brown 25/08 SafeSider instrument). Ensure this file has reached the apex and record the working length. In this demo case, the working length is 21mm.

2.
Using locking pliers, remove a medium gutta percha cone from the package and place it in the canal until it will not go any further into the canal. Clip the point with the pliers at the reference mark , remove from the root and measure.  Upon removal of the gp point from the root you should notice “tug back” of the point. If the measurement is correct and you have tug back then place the gp point aside and fill the canal with cement first.
Meduim GP
locking pliersplace pt
correct placement
3.
If when you measure, the measurement is long then the gutta percha point is sticking out past the working length and apex. 
long measurementlong fit
Cut the gutta percha back at the apical end until it is at the correct working length measurement.
cut

Replace it back in the root with apical pressure until it does not go any further.  Reclip the point at the reference point, remove and measure again.  Repeat these steps until the gutta percha point has both tug back and the correct measurement. Then place the point aside and fill the canal with cement.

4.
If when you measure, the measurement is short it means that the Gutta percha point is binding usually between 3-5mm short of the apex.
short

This indicates that there is not enough flare in the canal. Go back into the canal with either/or a number 2 Gates glidden drill or the Pink 25/.06 NiTi and work the canal until it is flared more in this area.

gatespink

*Note- If you notice that the apical end of the gp point is squiggly, this mean that the canal may be blocked with dentinal sludge from instrumentation.  Recapitulate with a smaller instrument using copious irrigating solution to remove the sludge. Refit the point once the blockage is removed.

squiggly fill
correct measurement

Once the point fits with tug back, clip it at the measurement and place it aside.  Now fill the canal with cement in preparation for the obturation.

5.
For more details on EZ-Fill cement placement click here